Blood pressure response to exercise test and serum lipids in normotensive men with positive family history of hypertension

The aim of the study was to follow the arterial blood pressure response to exercise test and serum lipids in middle-aged normotensive men with family history (FH) of arterial hypertension. 152 normotensive men, divided into two groups: I group--92 men without FH for arterial hypertension and II group--60 men with family history for arterial hypertension were investigated. The response of blood pressure to exercise test on bicycle ergometer with progressively increasing workload up to 100 W was followed up. Five minute recovery period was followed, too. The total cholesterol (TC), high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C) and triglycerides were assessed and TC/HDL-C ratio was calculated. Significant difference in the arterial blood pressure at a level of 100 W between the Ist and IInd group was found: 177 +/- 19.0/ 89 +/- 12.0 mmHg versus 189 +/- 17**/ 96 +/- 11* mmHg (* p < 0.01, ** p < 0.001). Subjects with positive FH for arterial hypertension showed higher elevation of arterial blood pressure during and after exercise: OR = 2.3 (95% CI 1.1 -4.8). The systolic blood pressure during the recovery period and TC/HDL-C ratio were significantly higher with the Ilnd group. In conclusion, our data show significantly higher reaction of blood pressure to exercise, retarded recovery of blood pressure and significantly higher TC/HDL-C ratio with the individuals with positive FH for arterial hypertension.     

Cardiovascular risk in operators under radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation

The aim of the study was to assess the long-term effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on the cardiovascular system. Two groups of exposed operators (49 broadcasting (BC) station and 61 TV station operators) and a control group of 110 radiorelay station operators, matched by sex and age, with similar job characteristics except for the radiofrequency EMR were studied. The EMR exposure was assessed and the time-weighted average (TWA) was calculated. The cardiovascular risk factors arterial pressure, lipid profile, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, smoking, and family history of cardiovascular disease were followed. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher in the two exposed groups. It was found that the radiofrequency EMR exposure was associated with greater chance of becoming hypertensive and dyslipidemic. The stepwise multiple regression equations showed that the SBP and TWA predicted the high TC and high LDL-C, while the TC, age and abdominal obesity were predictors for high SBP and DBP. In conclusion, our data show that the radiofrequency EMR contributes to adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.     

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity and toxicity of 2 new hydrogels: a pilot study

Wound bed preparation remains a very important issue in wound healing. To promote the production of granulation tissue, it is necessary to remove necrotic tissue and to control infection. Necrotic tissue may be removed using a hydrogel preparation. Flaminal and Flaminal Hydro (Flen Pharma, Belgium) are 2 new hydroactive colloid gel dressings with state antibacterial properties. These properties are attributed to an enzymatic complex in their formulation. In the study described in this report, the antibacterial effects of Flaminal and Flaminal Hydro were confirmed in an in vitro as well as an in vivo setting. It was also demonstrated that Flaminal and Flaminal Hydro are not toxic to keratinocytes in vitro using an MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] test.     

DNA prime and protein boost immunization with innovative polymeric cationic core-shell nanoparticles elicits broad immune responses and strongly enhance cellular responses of HIV-1 tat DNA vaccination

Novel biocompatible core-shell cationic nanoparticles, composed of an inner hard core of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) and a hydrophilic tentacular shell bearing positively charged groups and poly(ethyleneglycol) chains covalently bound to the core, were prepared by emulsion polymerization and characterized in vitro and in vivo for DNA vaccine applications. The nanoparticles reversibly adsorbed large amounts of DNA, mainly through electrostatic interactions, preserved its functional structure, efficiently delivered it intracellularly, and were not toxic in vitro or in mice. Furthermore, two intramuscular (i.m.) immunizations (4 weeks apart) with a very low dose (1 microg) of the plasmid pCV-tat delivered by these nanoparticles followed by one or two protein boosts induced significant antigen-specific humoral and cellular responses and greatly increased Th1-type T cell responses and CTLs against HIV-1 Tat.     

Alteration of trabecular bone under chronic beta2 agonists treatment

PURPOSE: beta2 adrenergic agonists are widely used as doping agents. Their side effects on bone, especially microarchitecture, remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronic clenbuterol and salbutamol treatment on bones of growing rats. METHODS: Twelve-week-old Wistar female rats were divided into three groups: salbutamol (4 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)), clenbuterol (2 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)), and normal saline (0.5 mL.kg(-1).d(-1)) and treated for 6 wk. Proximal tibia and lumbar spine L4 were analyzed by absorptiometry and by 3D microcomputed tomography. Bending and compression tests were used to measure their mechanical properties. RESULTS: After 6 wk, the salbutamol and clenbuterol groups had lower bone mineral density (BMD) in the tibia, proximal tibia, and vertebrae. Trabecular number and bone volume for the vertebrae were lower in animals treated with clenbuterol (Tb.N: -14.31%, P < 0.001; BV/TV: -21.07%, P < 0.001) or salbutamol (TbN: -12.7%, P < 0.001; BV/TV: -19.7%, P < 0.001) than in controls. Mechanical properties of the tibia were affected by clenbuterol with a lower ultimate force (P = 0.02) and a trend in lower energy to ultimate force (P = 0.053). In vertebrae, salbutamol and clenbuterol induced lower ultimate force. Clenbuterol significantly increased muscle mass (+58.83%, P < 0.01) and reduced fat mass (-28.75%, P < 0.01) compared with controls +17.07 and -7.34%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study shows a negative effect of clenbuterol and salbutamol on the mechanical properties and microarchitecture of trabecular bone. In the clenbuterol group it was notable that the bone loss contrasts with the anabolic effect on muscle mass. Clearly an increase of muscle mass with enhanced bone fragility augments the risk of fractures for humans or animals treated with beta2 agonists as part of a doping regimen.     

Gluteal stab wound is a frequent and potentially dangerous injury

BACKGROUND: Stab wounds to the gluteal area are a frequent injury in an urban trauma centre. These injuries may appear innocuous but is potentially life threatening. Therefore they deserve timely evaluation and management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with this type of injury and to propose a treatment protocol. METHODS: During the last 5 years 269 patients with stab injuries, were admitted to our Department of Emergency Medicine (DEM). Thirty-nine patients (14%) who had gluteal penetration were included in this study. Patients' charts were retrospectively reviewed for demographic data, type of injury and additional injuries, evaluation, management and outcome. RESULTS: Stab wound of the gluteal region was the most frequent injury after chest and abdominal injuries. Thirty patients presented with soft tissue damage only and nine were severely injured. Seven of the severely injured patients had significant bleeding; two of them were treated by embolisation. One patient suffered a rectal injury and one a small bowel perforation, both treated surgically. There was no post-operative complication or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Penetration of the gluteal is a potentially life threatening injury. Meticulous observation and high level of suspicion ensure early treatment and can prevent mortality.     

Limbal graft and/or amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment of ocular burns

Limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) and amniotic membrane transplantation may improve corneal recovery after a chemical burn. Amniotic membrane was applied as a patch in 5 eyes; LSCT from healthy contralateral eye was performed in 6 eyes, and a combination of these techniques was performed in 4 eyes. There were no complications during surgical procedure. Epithelization was completed after 2 weeks in patients with LSCT, and after 3 weeks in the amniotic membrane transplantation group. Visual acuity improved in all patients. No complication was observed on either the donor or the recipient eye during a follow-up period of >13 months in all groups. Amniotic membrane is effective in promoting re-epithelization and reducing inflammation when applied alone in patients with 3- to 6-hour limbal involvement, as well as combined with LSCT in patients with >6-hour limbal ischemia. LSCT is an effective procedure for rehabilitation after severe chemical trauma of the eye with more than 50% limbal involvement.